Japan

Day 1: ajungem in Asakusa la ora 21:00

1. O zi pentru Shinjuku:
- Gara Shinjuku
- Shinjuku gyoen, costa 200 Y intrarea, de la 9 :00 la 16 :30
- Piss Alley (Omoide Yokocho): 2 narrow alleys next to the Shinjuku train station. Piss Alley is
really close to the West Exit of Shinjuku train station. The two alleys run parallel to the
tracks. You will see the entrance on your right if you face the Shinjuku Dai-Guard train bridge.
- Explore Kabukicho after nightfall & Golden Gai alley (6 alleys – expensive, they open at 7 PM).
Continuing your journey from Piss alley you cross the Shinjuku Dai-Guard train bridge and go
straight along Yasukuni Dori street. The Kabukicho district consists of the first streets on the
left side of the street.
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Opening hours: Daily 9.30 am – 11 pm, free. Behind
the building there is a central park with a shrine : Kumano jinja
- Altarul Hanazono jinja
- Godzilla head (Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, in Kabukicho): if you visit the site from 12 PM to 8 PM,
you can hear Godzilla roar.
- Ichiran ramen Shinjuku, Shin Udon, Ramen Nagi Golden Gai
- Don Quijote Shinjuku, Isetan (la est de statie, Kinokuniya books(la est de statie)
- Shinjuku View: An elevated walkway provides a classic view of the Shinjuku area
- Shinjuku Skyscraper District (West of the Shinjuku Station)
- Koreatown sau Shin Okubo (shin okubo metro station)
- Karaoke?

2. Ikebukuro:

Ikebukuro station, 2nd busiest after Shinjuku, cuts the neighborhood in 2: I. East and I.West

The most lively and vibrant area is undoubtedly East Ikebukuro, which can be reached then going out
from the "east exit" of Ikebukuro station, and where you can find an extensive shopping area with
two huge electronic stores, next to each other, Bic Camera e Yamada Denki (LABI), the department
stores of Seibu (everything), Parco (mainly fashion) and Loft (gifts and decor), but also the Sunshine
City and Otome Road.

Sunshine City - A huge building complex opened in 1978, it was the first "city within a city" in Tokyo
and a cutting-edge idea at that time, not only for Japan but for the whole world. The complex
consists of four low-rise buildings and a skyscraper, the Sunshine 60, which was the tallest building in
Asia until 1985.
Walk from Ikebukuro station to Sunshine 60 Dori: Follow the crowds to this popular shopping street,
which leads to the towering Sunshine City building. Besides shopping, you'll find cinemas, bowling,
karaoke and late-night bars, cat and owl cafes, regular cafes…

Otome Road: If there’s one industry that Ikebukuro is a pro at, it’s Otaku culture. Otaku culture
consists of anime, manga, and of course, video games. In this town, you can find rare goods for all
the niche anime and manga. Some famous shops to visit include Animate, Mandarake, and K-Books.
Otome Road is for a more niche crowd that mainly consists of female anime lovers.

Animate is an anime, comics, game, and character goods specialty shop that has expanded to
over 100 locations in Japan.

Higashi Ikebukuro Park- Outdoor Cat Café. Ikebukuro is home to many small parks. The most famous
of them all must be Higashi Ikebukuro Park. It is also known as "cat park" or "outdoor cat cafe".
While the cats in this park are all strays, they are friendly and looked after.

Zoshigaya Kishimojindo Temple: Located about a fifteen minute walk from the east exit at Ikebukuro
Station is a temple enshrining the god of safe birth and child raising.

Located on the temple grounds is Kamikawaguchiya, a small candy store that has operated since
1781. Its exterior, which has never been changed and is said to be Japan’s oldest structure, became
the model for Studio Ghibli’s animated film “Only Yesterday.”

Gokokuji Temple is a historical temple established in 1681. The Kannon-Do, the main building, has not
changed its appearance despite encountering earthquakes and disasters.

You’ll find a large statue of Buddha 2.5 meters in length when you continue through the Furo-Mon
Gates located above the stone steps.

Ikebukuro Mitake Shrine

Ikebukuro Mitake Shrine is another place where you can find Ikebukuro's adorable owls. The owls
are meant to present Ikebukuro's community and it is also said that people pray here for the health
of their family and safe birth. It is a small and little known local shrine that many people of the area
use for their daily prayers. You can purchase small owl good luck charms here as well.

Ikebukuro Mitake Shrine

Address: Tokyo, Toshima, Ikebukuro 3-51-2 Google Map

Access: A 14-minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Station

Sanja Shrine

Sanja Shrine is a tiny and quiet shrine worshipping the deity Inari. Inari is the Japanese god of foxes,
fertility, rice, tea and sake, agriculture and industry as well as general prosperity and worldly success.
As popular for inari shrines, foxes guard the red gates. Foxes, as well as the color red, are strongly
associated with the deity Inari.

If you want to visit a smaller Inari shrine, this might be a great place to start. When the shrine is open,
you can also purchase a couple of adorable 3 d fox ema (praying plates).

Sanja Shrine

Address: Tokyo, Toshima, Ikebukuro 3-52 Google Map

Access: A 14-minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Station

West Ikebukuro

The west side of Ikebukuro, which can be reached then going out from the "west exit" of Ikebukuro
station, is an area a little less lively than the east side but still interesting. On this side you can find the
department stores of Tobu, among the largest in the city, Marui (fashion and household goods) and
a branch of Bic Camera (electronics). As for shopping it is definitely less crowded than the the east
side, but here you can find a number of ambiguous places that form a small red light area.

IKEBUKURO RED LIGHT DISTRICT

Although the best known red light district of Tokyo is Kabuki-cho in Shinjuku, actually nowadays you
can find a number of places for adult entertainment around all the major railway stations of the city,
and the red light area of Ikebukuro is one of the largest after the one in Shinjuku.
A few blocks away from the west exit of the station, you will find a number of streets with
restaurants, karaoke, game rooms, but also a lot of kyabakura (hostess bar), and various other adult
places, such as, for example an oppai bar (a kind of place where you can touch the breasts of the girls
who work there) or one sexy zoo with waitresses disguised as various animals. It is not difficult to
imagine that among all these strange places there might be also real prostitutes.
In this area there are also some business hotels and a lot of love hotels, especially walking north
nearby the railroad tracks.

IKEBUKURO'S CHINATOWN
Since the nineties, more and more Chinese have settled in Ikebukuro and in particular in the area
north-west of the station. Today the area is full of Chinese supermarkets, shops and restaurants and
more and more the media refer to this area as a real Chinatown. To get there, just take the North
exit on the west side of the station.
Neco Republic is a cat cafe with a good cause located all over Japan.

Din Ikebukuro poti lua trenul spre Nerima, cartier residential tipic japonez.

1. Central Tokyo + Akasaka – Aoyama

Imperial Palace: The Imperial Palace is a ten minute walk from Tokyo Station.

The current Imperial Palace (皇居, Kōkyo) is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park
area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo
Station. It is the residence of Japan's Imperial Family.

The Imperial Palace East Gardens (皇居東御苑, Kōkyo Higashi Gyoen) are a part of the inner palace
area and are open to the public. They are the former site of Edo Castle's innermost circles of defense,
the honmaru ("main circle") and ninomaru ("secondary circle"). None of the main buildings remain
today, but the moats, walls, entrance gates and several guardhouses still exist. 9:00 to 16:00
(November through February), closed on Mon and Fri,

Kitanomaru Koen lays north of the palace , home to the Nippon Budokan. Further north, one can visit
Yasukuni Shrine (靖国神社, Yasukuni Jinja) is a Shinto shrine in central Tokyo that commemorates
Japan's war dead. The shrine was founded in 1869 with the purpose of enshrining those who have
died in war for their country and sacrificed their lives to help build the foundation for a peaceful
Japan. Shrine is opened from 6 to 18:00, admission free. Next to it is the Yushukan Museum , opened
from 9 to 16:30, fee 1000yen.

Marunouchi is a district located between Tokyo station and the Imperial Palace, the main financial
district of Tokyo, where you can see the Marunouchi and Shin Marunouchi buildings, together with
the Tokyo International Forum (worth to have a look inside).

Check out Hibiya koen too, next to the palace.

Toyokawa Inari Betsuin -> Akasaka Hikawa Shrine -> Hie Shrine -> Meiji Jingu Gaien -> walk along
Aoyama dori,

2. Ginza – Hibiya – Yurakucho

- Studio Ghibli exposition: Matsuya Ginza 8F Event Square
- Hibiya koen
- the main shopping streets in the neighborhood are Chuo dori and Harumi dori, forming one
of Tokyo's most famous road intersections (Ginza 4-chome intersection). In the four corners
of this crossroad, you will find respectively the department stores of Ginza Wako and
Mitsukoshi, a circular glazed building with a huge advertisement of Ricoh on the roof, and
the Ginza Place complex. On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, a part of Chuo Dori is
closed to traffic.
- Sukiyabashi pedestrian scramble: a very busy pedestrian intersection, with people crossing
the street in all directions, just like in the legendary Shibuya scramble crossing. The Ginza
Crystal curved glass building and the Tokyu Plaza Ginza shopping complex overlook this
 intersection. From the roof terrace of Tokyu Plaza Ginza you also have a nice view of the
intersection from above.
- Kabukiza theater, followed by Tsukiji hongan-ji, a buddhist temple Indian style, then Tsukiji
Outer Market (A visit to Tsukiji Outer Market is best combined with a fresh sushi breakfast or
lunch at one of the local restaurants. The restaurants are typically open from 5:00 in the
morning to around noon or early afternoon. Because most of the fish served and sold at
Tsukiji Outer Market is delivered directly from Toyosu Market, this is one of the best places in
Tokyo to enjoy fresh seafood) – finish at Hamarikyu Gardens, then check the ghibli clock NTV
clock

3. Roppongi – Shiba – Koen – Omotesando – Harajuku (do not visit Harajuku on a weekend!)
- Start from Shiba Koen, where Zozoji Temple can be found
- Then continue with Tokyo Tower (open from 10 to 22);
- Roppongi Hills, includes Mori Tower, a 53-story skyscraper, landmark of Roppongi Hills and
Tokyo, Tokyo City View and Skydeck – on the 52nd floor of Mori tower (most beautiful decks
in Tokyo?), TV Asahi HQ (The ground floor of the building is open to the public. Inside there is
a shop and several things related to the characters and TV programs broadcasted on this
channel), Mori Garden (A small traditional Japanese style garden located in front of the Asahi
TV headquarters)
- Maman
- Ota memorial museum of art: China in Ukiyo-e exposition
- Sengaku-ji: This Buddhist temple is home to the graves of the Japanese national legends, the
47 Ronin.

4. Shibuya

Hachiko – Shibuya Crossing –

CENTER GAI
A very famous pedestrian street in Shibuya (350 meters long), you can get there by crossing the well-
known intersection and heading in the direction of the huge HMV sign.
Around this street there are a lot of music stores, clothes stores (also second-hand clothes),
restaurants, bars and arcades. It is the birthplace of many Japanese youth fashion trends.

NONBEI YOKOCHO
A very little and unknown area of Shibuya, a neighborhood usually famous for its neon, fashion
stores, department stores, nightclubs and crowds of young people.
Nonbei Yokocho is on the contrary a quite narrow street full of litte bars, you can get there easily
from the Hackiko exit of Shibuya station, passing through the underpass under the tracks and
turning immediately left. The bars are very small, similar to those of Golden Gai in Shinjuku, perhaps
they're even smaller, with very few seats.
A strange characteristic is that all these bars don't have their own toilets, but they share some public
toilets out in the street.
Love Hotel Hill
This area of Shibuya has a high concentration of love hotels, which offer couples a private room for a
2-4 hour "rest" during the day (around 5,000 yen) or an overnight "stay" (around 10,000 yen). Check
behind Shibuya 109/Dougenzaka alley.

Koen Dori
Koen Dori ("Park Street") is a popular shopping street leading to Yoyogi Park. It was named
after Parco department store (parco is Italian for park) and the fact that the street leads to Yoyogi
Park.

Spain Slope
Spain Slope (Supeinzaka) is a narrow, approximately 100 meter long pedestrian street with stairs
leading up the slope to the Parco department store. It is lined by boutiques, cafes and restaurants,
and was nicknamed for its resemblance to a Spanish street scene.

Yoyogi Park – Meiji jingu (free) – Meiji jingu museum (10-16:30, 1000 yeni, joi inchis), (inner garden de
la 10 la 16 :30 – 500 yeni)

5. Ueno imprejurimi

Traseu Ueno :

Incepi de la Tokio daigaku , apoi spre altarul Yushima Tenjin, apoi strada pe care se afla piata
Ameyoko, viziteaza templul Tokudaiji si muzeul Shitamachi (admission 300¥, opening hours 9:30-
16:30, closed on mondays). Located next to the Shinobazu Pond, designed to preserve and witness
the history of the old working-class district of Shitamachi, which once occupied the area of today's
Taito special ward where Ueno is located.

- Incepi de la statuia lui Saigo Takamori si a monumentului Shogitai (cei 2000 de supusi ai lui
Tokugawa care s-au opus trupelor imperiale)
- Continui cu Kiyomizu Kannon-do, care adaposteste o statuie a zeitei Kannon
- Apoi o iei spre iazul Shinobazu, unde poti vizita un templu dedicat lui Benten
- Continui catre altarul Toshogu (locul cel mai bun de unde se vede pagoda Kanei-ji)
- Continua sa megi pe aleea Shinobazu dori pana ajungi la Nezu-Jinja, un mormant altar
sculptat
- Continua pe Yanaka dori, unde de-a lungul strazii sunt magazine. exploreaza zona aceasta,
este plina de temple si magazine vechi + viziteaza si cimitirul
- Continua spre nord spre statia de metrou Nippori si vei vedea altarul Suwa jinja

Jomyoin temple and the 84 thousand statues of Jizô

Termina cu Yanaka Ginza, Yanaka: This retro shopping street near Nippori Station is lined with old
buildings dating back as far as the 1940s. SEE Yuyake Dandan (‘sunset staircase’) at the north end of
the street is a must-visit in the late afternoon for its spectacular sunset view. A 200 meters long
shopping street, just two minutes from Nippori station, where there are about 70 family-run shops
that sell a bit of everything and in particular handicrafts, food and cheap snacks. Coming from
Nippori, the entrance to this area can be easily recognized because it is located immediately after a
long staircase and an old white sign.

Nishi Nippori: The few tourist guides that speak of this area refer to the area from Nippori station
onwards.
In fact, an interesting road to take is also the one that connects Nippori station with the next
station along the Yamanote-line, Nishi-Nippori station, in which some small temples and shrines
follow one after the other. Instead of starting your itinerary to discover Yanaka from Nippori
station, you could start right from Nishi-Nippori, reaching Nippori station on foot.

Tennoji temple - This temple is located near the Yanaka Cemetery, a stone's throw from Nippori
Station.

6. Akihabara

Strada principala este Chuo dori- inchisa traficului in weekend de la 13 la 17. Super Potato este
magazinul cu jocuri vechi

7. Asakusa

Incepi traseul de la Kaminarimon, continui pe Nakamise street, ajungi la templu. Langa templu se afla
un parc cu statui, pavilioane etc., si mai sus Asakusa jinja.

Sumida koen si Tokyo Skytree (de la 10-20, ultima intrare la 19) se mai pot vizita.

Nakamise Shopping Street

Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street : Shin-Nakamise or "New Nakamise" runs perpendicular to the

Nakamise Shopping Street. It is a covered shopping arcade lined by various shops and restaurants.

Kappabashi Shopping Street: Kappabashi is an almost one kilometer long street lined by shops
catering to restaurant businesses. Items on sale include tableware, kitchen utensils and appliances,
sample food, furniture, signs, lanterns and uniforms. The street is located about 600 meters west of
Sensoji.

Asakusa Underground Street: The Asakusa Underground Street (Asakusa Chikagai) is one of the
oldest underground shopping streets in Japan. The short passageway connects Tobu Asakusa
Station to the Shin Nakamise Shopping Street and contains about 20 shops and restaurants. The
arcade looks like it has remained unchanged in decades, and visitors may feel like they walked into a
throwback alleyway.

Asakusa Tourist Culture Information Center : The center also has an observatory on the eighth floor
that is available to access for free. Although the eighth floor might not sound like much when
compared to other observation decks in the city, this is the only place you can take in a clear and full
sweeping view of Sensoji Temple, Kaminarimon, and Tokyo Skytree all at once.

Oku Asakusa: Oku Asakusa, or deep Asakusa, is known for its charming traditional townscape,
shopping streets, and a laidback atmosphere.

Dining in Asakusa:
Kamiya Bar: Kamiya Bar is one of Japan's oldest bars, with a history reaching back to 1880. It was
founded by Kamiya Denbe, one of the first wine producers in Japan, who also invented denki bran, a
type of brandy concoction, which is still served at the Kamiya Bar. The bar has three stories, and the
one on street level is the most popular. There is also a window store that sells souvenir bottles of
denki bran.

Umezono: Umezono is a traditional Japanese sweets shop that started in 1854. Their menu contains
classics like anmitsu and oshiruko in addition to seasonal favorites like shaved ice (kakigori). The
shop also has a window store that sells yokan, dorayaki and other desserts to go.

Asakusa Kagetsudo: Asakusa Kagetsudo is a melon-pan store and restaurant that has been in
business since 1945.

Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku a restaurant specializing in onigiri, or rice balls. Tokyo’s oldest onigiri
restaurant.

Tempura: There are a number of tempura shops in Asakusa, offering delicious deep fried seafood and
vegetables. The area flourished in the Edo Period as a tempura location thanks to the availability of
seafood products from nearby Tokyo Bay. The more well-known tempura restaurants include Aoi
Marushin, Daikokuya, Sansada, Owariya and Kinsen..

Unagi: There are also a handful of established unagi-ya (freshwater eel restaurants) in the area with
histories of at least a hundred years. Unagi, or freshwater eel, is relatively expensive with prices
starting at 2000 yen for lunch and more for dinner. Well known unagi-ya in Asakusa include Irokawa,
Hatsuogawa ,Maekawa, Koyanagi

O zi in Asakusa se poate lega cu o vizita in Ningyocho – fostul Yoshiwara, are multe cladiri din anii ’20
cu magazine traditionale care vand wagashi, ceai verde si biscuit sembei.

Ningyocho-dori -> Okannon ji temple -> Suitengu shrine ->

Restaurante:

Amazakeyokocho shopping street -> Amamidokoro Hatsune (Established in 1837, Amamidokoro

Hatsune serves a variety of traditional Japanese sweets and dishes)

Itakuraya: ningyo-yaki

Gyokueidou (dorayaki pancakes)

Soukaya – senbei crackers

=======================================================================

Extra: Nerima, birthplace of anime + residential district; Ōizumi Anime Gate & Ōizumi-gakuen Station,
the Galaxy Express 999 station

Nakano: Nakano is one of the 23 special districts of Tokyo, just west of Shinjuku. Just in front of the
north exit of Nakano station there is the entrance to a covered shopping arcade about 250 meters
long, a typical Japanese shotengai, full of shops selling anything and everything.
At the end of this shopping arcade is the neighborhood's real attraction, Nakano Broadway.

Kyoto

KYOTO INTERNATIONAL MANGA MUSEUM

(admission 800 yen, opening hours 10:00-18:00, closed on wednesdays)
This museum is located one kilometer north of Shijo Dori along Karasuma Dori.
Rather than a museum, I would define this place a large library of comics, in fact you can find
thousands and thousands of manga (about 50,000 in total) from 1970 until today, that you can
consult. Obviously the majority of the volumes are in Japanese, but there is also a small section
dedicated to translated manga (Manga Expo). According to the official website, there are about 1000
volumes in English.

Centrul Kyoto-ului:

- Kyoto station :
- To-ji temple
- Kyoto Tower
- Honganji temples: Nishi Honganji (West Honganji) was built in 1591 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi,
after the sect's former head temple, Ishiyama Honganji in Osaka had been destroyed by Oda
Nobunaga due to the temple's interference in politics. Nishi Honganji is the head temple of
the Honganji faction of the Jodo-Shin sect with over 10,000 subtemples across the country
and 200 temples overseas. Nishi Honganji's two largest structures are the Goeido Hall,
dedicated to Shinran, the sect's founder, and the Amidado Hall dedicated to the Amida
Buddha, the most important Buddha in Jodo-Shin Buddhism. The temple also displays some
surviving masterpieces of architecture from the Azuchi-Momoyama Period and early Edo
Period, including the celebrated Hiunkaku Pavilion. Nishi Honganji is designated an UNESCO
world heritage site.

Higashi Honganji (East Honganji) was built only eleven years after and a few street blocks
east of Nishi Honganji as the head temple of the Otani faction of Jodo-shin Buddhism. Its main hall,
the Goeido is Kyoto's largest wooden structure and dedicated to Shinran, the sect's founder. A small
Japanese garden named Shoseien is located another few street blocks east of Higashi Honganji and
serves as a detached temple residence of Higashi Honganji. Today, the garden with its pond and
beautiful autumn colors is open to the public.

5:30 to 17:00, free admission

-Mibu dera temple: Mibu-dera is famous as the temple that once served as the headquarters to the
illustrious/infamous Shinsengumi, a special police force organized by the shogunate to protect their
interests in Kyoto during a time of political turmoil between forces supporting the military
government and those who wished to return to imperial rule. Several graves of Shinsengumi
members lay within the temple grounds, as well as a statue of leader Kondō Isami. Mibu-dera is also
home to a large main hall, stupa, and sub-shrines. One of Kyoto’s oldest temples, Mibu-dera is a
prime example of a temple that has remained relevant in the modern age, now operating many
community services out of the temple grounds such as a daycare and retirement home. 200Y

- Nishiki market: Nishiki Market (錦市場, Nishiki Ichiba) is a narrow, five block long shopping
street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants.
- The Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所, Kyōto Gosho) used to be the residence of Japan's
Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo.
It is located in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park (京都御苑, Kyōto Gyoen), an attractive park
in the center of the city that also encompasses the Sento Imperial Palace, which served
retired emperors, and a few other attractions. Visitors can see the palace buildings and
gardens, but note that none of the buildings can be entered. Besides the Imperial Palace and
the Sento Palace grounds, a few other historic sites are located within Kyoto Imperial Park,
including the Kaninnomiya Mansion (opening hours 9-16, closed on Mondays), a former
residence of court nobles that is open to the public in the park's southwestern corner. Not
far away stands a small branch shrine of Miyajima's famous Itsukushima Shrine on a small
island of a pond, an old tea-house (Shu Sui Tei)
- Nijo Castle : Nijo Castle (二条城, Nijōjō) was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa
Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). His grandson Iemitsu completed the
castle's palace buildings 23 years later and further expanded the castle by adding a five story
castle keep. Nijo Castle can be divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circle of defense),
the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense) and some gardens around them. The entire
castle grounds and the Honmaru are surrounded by stone walls and moats. Unlike the
Ninomaru Palace, the Honmaru Palace is not regularly open to the public, although there are
occasional special openings. Visitors may, however, walk around the Honmaru gardens and
climb up the stone foundation of the former castle keep, which offers views over the castle
grounds. La sud de NInomaru, in afara zidurilor, se afla gradina Shinsen-en
(admission 500 yen, opening hours 8:45-17:00, closed on thursday of jan jul aug and dec, and
26 dec-4 jan)
- Langa Nijo se afla si manga international museum
- Pontocho : Pontocho (先斗町, Pontochō) is one of Kyoto's most atmospheric dining areas. It
is a narrow alley running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori.Business hours and closing days of the
restaurants, bars and shops along Pontocho vary by establishment, but most places are
usually open from around 17:00 to 23:00. Some also open for lunch. Many establishments
offer English menus. In capat poti vedea Pontocho Kaburenjo.
- 2 majors streets in central Kyoto : Shijo Dori and Kawaramachi Dori, and typical japanese
covered shopping arcades like Shinkyogoku Dori and Teramachi Dori.

KYOTO EST

Higashiyama & Gion

In this area of Higashiyama there is one of the most famous temples in all of Japan, the Kiyomizu-
dera (see below). The narrow streets that from this temple lead up to the Maruyama Park are
one of the "preserved historic districts" of the city, with preserved traditional buildings that now
house hundreds of restaurants and shops.
This area is one of the most fascinating of Kyoto. The Higashiyama District (東山) along the lower
slopes of Kyoto's eastern mountains is one of the city's best preserved historic districts. It is a
great place to experience traditional old Kyoto, especially between Kiyomizudera and Yasaka
Shrine, where the narrow lanes, wooden buildings and traditional merchant shops invoke a
feeling of the old capital city. Recent efforts to remove telephone poles and repave the streets
have further improved the traditional feel of the district.

- Kiyomizudera Temple: (admission 400 yen, opening hours 6:00-18:00). Kiyomizudera (清水
寺, literally "Pure Water Temple") is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was
founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, and
derives its name from the fall's pure waters. The temple was originally associated with the
Hosso sect, one of the oldest schools within Japanese Buddhism, but formed its own Kita
Hosso sect in 1965. In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.
- Kodaiji: (admission 600 yen, opening hours 9:00-17:30)
A Zen Buddhist temple, belonging to the Rinzai sect. It is located on the road between the
Kiyomizudera and Maruyama Park. Kodaiji Temple was constructed in 1605 in memory of
Toyotomi Hideyoshi by the great political leader's wife. It features temple halls, gravel and
landscape gardens, teahouses and a bamboo grove.
- Yasaka Pagoda, Open irregularly from 10:00 to 16:00. Yasaka Pagoda, the last remnant of
Hokanji Temple, is one of the most visible and recognizable landmarks in the Higashiyama
District. The interior of the pagoda is occasionally open to visitors, which is a rare opportunity
as most pagoda can only be viewed from the outside.
- Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社, Yasaka Jinja), also known as Gion Shrine, is one of the most famous
shrines in Kyoto. Founded over 1350 years ago, the shrine is located between the popular
Gion and Higashiyama districts and is often visited by tourists walking between the two.
- Maruyama Park
- Kenninji Temple: Although this temple is not among the most visited of the city, it is the
oldest temple of the city, dating back to 1202. 10:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30), 600 yen
- Rokuharamitsuji temple: Rokuharamitsu-ji, a Shingon sect temple, is off the main tourist trail
but it well-worth visiting for its superb collection of Heian and Kamakura period sculptures,
some of them carved by the master craftsman Unkei (circa 1150-1223) and his sons. From 8 to
17:00, 600Y.
- Chionin Temple: (free admission, always open, the interior of buildings 9:00-16:30 )
The main temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism.
The main entrance gate (Sanmon Gate) is the biggest of all Japan (24x50 meters, built in
1619).
Inside the main building (Miedo Hall) a statue of the founder of the Jodo sect, Honen, is
housed.
Inside the temple there are two zen gardens, each with separate admission, the Hojo
Garden and the Yuzen Garden (combined admission 500 YEN)
- Shorenin temple: Shorenin (青蓮院, Shōrenin) is a temple of the Tendai sect of Japanese
Buddhism located at the foot of Kyoto's Higashiyama mountains. It is one of the city's
monzeki temples, which are temples whose head priests were traditionally members of the
 imperial family. A winding route takes visitors through Shorenin's various temple buildings
and gardens.

Gion: The most preserved area of the neighborhood is the one south of Shijo Avenue (a lively
shopping street), especially Hanami-Koji Dori, a pedestrian street that reaches the Kenninji Temple
and that evokes a great atmosphere of "old Japan".

Shirakawa: Shirakawa is the name given to a small area of Gion just north Shijo Avenue, along a small
canal (Canal Shirakawa precisely). In this area too there are a lot of restaurants and tea-houses, and
the presence of the canal, surrounded by many trees, including many willows, makes this area very
quiet and charming.

In plus: Nene no michi, Ebisu Jinja, Miyagawa cho geisha district, Chishaku-in

Higashiyama South:

Sanjusangen-do: 9:00 to 16:00, 600 yen admission. Sanjusangendo (三十三間堂, Sanjūsangendō)

is the popular name for Rengeo-in, a temple in eastern Kyoto which is famous for its 1001 statues
of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple was founded in 1164 and rebuilt a century later
after the original structure had been destroyed in a fire.

Okazaki, located north of Maruyama park in Higashiyama (langa cazare) – Higashiyama North

- Shokokuji temple: Shokokuji is the second of the five leading Rinzai Zen temples in Kyoto
that were built during the medieval Muromachi Period.
- Shimogamo & Kamigamo jinja shrine, one of the oldest in Kyoto. They are two of the most
important and oldest shrines in Kyoto.
- Yoshida jinja shrine: This Shinto shrine is located about 2 km north of the Heian Shrine,
surrounded by a deep forest at the foot of Mount Yoshida (a hill). It was founded in 859 by
the Fujiwara clan
- Kumano-jinja : Kumano Shrine was founded in 811 by the monk Nichiren, the founder of
Nichiren Buddhism. The shrine is dedicated to various deities from the Kumano region of
Japan in present day Wakayama and Mie prefectures
- Heian jingu: This shrine was built in 1895 in honor of two emperors of Japan, Kammu and
Komei, respectively the first and the last of the period with Kyoto as the country's capital, on
the occasion of the 1100th anniversary of the foundation of the city. Free admission. Behind
the main building there is also a very nice garden (admission 600 YEN) with lots of cherry
trees.

Philosopher’s path:

- Manshu in Temple – Enkouji temple – Shisendo temple

- Ginkakuji (銀閣寺, Silver Pavilion) is a Zen temple along Kyoto's eastern mountains
(Higashiyama). In 1482, shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa built his retirement villa on the grounds
of today's temple, modeled after Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), his grandfather's retirement
 villa at the base of Kyoto's northern mountains (Kitayama). The villa was converted into a
Zen temple after Yoshimasa's death in 1490. Admission 500Y

- Shinnyo-do temple: Shinnyodo (真如堂, Shinnyodō) is a temple of the Tendai Sect,

established in 984 by a priest from the important Enryakuji Temple. Off the beaten tracks of
Kyoto, Shinnyodo is a beautiful autumn color spot which provides lovely fall colors usually
around late November, but yet remains relatively less crowded.
- Konkai komyo-ji temple: Was founded in 1175, and is one of the eight head temples of JHODO
sect, the major Buddhist denominations, and located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto.
- Okazaki jinja shrine
- Eikan-do: Eikando (永観堂, Eikandō), formally known as Zenrinji Temple, belongs to the Jodo
sect of Japanese Buddhism. 600Y
- Nanzenji temple: whose spacious grounds are located at the base of Kyoto's forested
Higashiyama mountains, is one of the most important Zen temples in all of Japan. It is the
head temple of one of the schools within the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism and
includes multiple subtemples, that make the already large complex of temple buildings even
larger. Subtemple ce pot fi gasite aici: Hojo, Nanzenin, Konchiin, Tenjuan, fiecare intre 400-
500 Y intrarea

Alte temple mai mici :

Honen-in Temple (free admission, opening hours 6-16)

Anraku-ji Temple (admission 400 yen, opening hours 9:30-16:30)

Koun-ji Temple (free admission)

Shinnyodo Temple (admission 500 yen, opening hours 9-16)

Kumanonyakuoji Shrine: free

Sudul:

- Toji temple: Toji Temple (東寺, Tōji), literally "East Temple", was founded at the beginning of
the Heian Period just after the capital was moved to Kyoto in the late 700s. The large temple,
together with its now defunct sister temple Saiji ("West Temple"), flanked the south
entrance to the city and served as the capital's guardian temples. Toji Temple is one of
Kyoto's many UNESCO world heritage sites. 500Y
- Sennyū-ji Temple: dates back to the early Heian period, when it was known as Horin-ji. It was
later expanded and renamed Sennyu-ji (meaning “bubbling spring temple”) after a gushing
spring of clear water located on the grounds.500Y
- Tofukuji: Tofukuji (東福寺, Tōfukuji) is a large Zen temple in southeastern Kyoto, which is
particularly famous for its spectacular autumn colors. The temple was founded in 1236 by the
powerful Fujiwara clan. Its name is a combination of the names of two great temples in Nara
that were also associated with the Fujiwara, Todaiji Temple and Kofukuji Temple. Tofukuji has
 been one of the principal Zen temples in Kyoto and is the head temple of its own school
within the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. 1000Y
- Fushimi inari is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of
vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The trails
lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters and
belongs to the shrine grounds.

Fushimi Sake district: la 20 de minute cu autobuz/tren de Fushimi Inari

The Fushimi Sake District (伏見) is a charming, traditional sake brewing district along the willow-lined
Horikawa River in southern Kyoto. Revered for the clean, soft water that flows in abundance from
the river's underground springs, the district is home to nearly 40 sake breweries. Alongside Kobe's
Nada District, Fushimi has been a leading sake brewing district in the country for many centuries.

Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum: Gekkeikan is a leading sake brewer and one of the oldest family-
owned companies in the world, established in Fushimi in the early 1600s. The well-done museum
displays the tools and procedures of sake production with good English explanations. A tasting is
included at the end of the self-guided tour.

Kizakura: Kizakura is another large brewery in the area that is worth checking out. They operate a
restaurant in the sake district called Kizakura Kappa Country which serves not only their sake
products but also their craft beer.

Teradaya Inn: The Teradaya Inn is the ryokan where Sakamoto Ryoma was attacked by Shogunate
forces in the run-up to the Meiji Restoration. The current building is a reconstruction as the original
was destroyed in a local battle. Visitors can explore the inn during the day or spend the night is one
of the rooms like Ryoma did.

Nord Vestul Kyoto:

- Daitoku-ji temple: Daitokuji (大徳寺) is a large, walled temple complex in northern Kyoto and
the head temple of the Rinzai sect's Daitokuji school of Japanese Zen Buddhism. The
complex consists of nearly two dozen subtemples and is one of the best places in Japan to
see a wide variety of Zen gardens and to experience Zen culture and architecture. Daitokuji
was founded in 1319 and like most of Kyoto suffered severe damage during the Onin War
(1467-1477). After its reconstruction, the temple grew into a center of the tea ceremony and
became associated with tea master Sen no Rikyu, as well as the warlords Oda Nobunaga and
Toyotomi Hideyoshi, both of whom were fond tea ceremony practitioners. Oda Nobunaga's
grave is located at Sokenin, one of Daitokuji's subtemples that is not regularly open to the
public. Daitokuji's main buildings (the Sanmon Gate, Butsuden Hall, Hatto Hall and Hojo
Residence) are lined up on the east side of the temple grounds according to the classical
layout of a Zen monastery. They are not usually open to the public, however visitors may
view into the interior of the Butsuden. The main buildings are surrounded by nearly two
 dozen subtemples, many of which were added to the complex by feudal lords from across
Japan. Four of the subtemples are regularly open to the public, while some of the others
have temporary special openings.
- KInkaku-ji is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in
gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after
his death in 1408. Kinkakuji was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver
Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu's grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the other side of the city a
few decades later. 9-17, 500Y
- Ryōan-ji is the site of Japan's most famous rock garden. Originally an aristocrat's villa during
the Heian Period, the site was converted into a Zen temple in 1450 and belongs to the
Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, whose head temple stands just a
kilometer to the south. 8:30-16:30, 500Y
- Kitano Tenmangu Shrine : Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (北野天満宮, Kitano Tenmangū) is one of
the most important of several hundred shrines across Japan that are dedicated to Sugawara
Michizane, a scholar and politician who was unfairly exiled by his political rivals. A number of
disasters were attributed to Michizane's vengeful spirit after his death in exile, and these
shrines were built to appease him. Last but not least, a flea market is held on the shrine
grounds and surrounding streets on the 25th of every month. Hundreds of vendors selling
plants, antiques, tools, toys and crafts are joined by many food stands selling festival food
such as yakisoba, karaage and takoyaki. 5:30 to 17:30, free.
- Ninna-ji s one of Kyoto's great temples that are listed as World Heritage Sites. It is the head
temple of the Omuro School of the Shingon sect of Buddhism and was founded in 888 by the
reigning emperor. Over many centuries, a member of the Imperial Family used to serve as
head priest, and the temple was also known as Omuro Imperial Palace. The highlight of a visit
to Ninnaji is the Goten, the former residence of the head priest in the southwestern corner of
the temple complex. 9:00 to 17:00, 800y
- Myōshinji Temple: 9:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:00, 700Y. Myoshinji (妙心寺, Myōshinji) is a
large temple complex in northwestern Kyoto which includes about 50 subtemples in addition
to its main buildings. While a few of the temple halls can be entered, the majority of the
subtemples are closed to the public. However, visitors are free to wander along the walking
paths. In several ways the temple complex resembles Daitokuji Temple.
- Koryu-Ji: founded in the year 603, is the oldest temple in Kyoto. Imperial Prince Shotoku
Taishi donated a Buddhist statue of Miroku Bosatsu (Maitreya), who it is said will come down
to the earthly plane 5,670,000,000 years after Guatama's (Buddha) death to save those who
have not yet attained enlightenment.

Arashiyama:
- - The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama's well known, central landmark. Many small shops,
restaurants and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama's
famous bamboo groves and pleasure boats that are available for rent on the river.
- Tenryu-ji Temple is the most important temple in Kyoto's Arashiyama district. It was ranked
first among the city's five great Zen temples, and is now registered as a world heritage site.
Tenryuji is the head temple of its own school within the Rinzai Zen sect of Japanese
Buddhism. 8:30 to 17:00, 800Y
De la iesirea Nordica a templului porneste pe o alee ingusta printr-o padure de bambusi , cea
mai frumoasa din Arashiyama, te duce la casa Okochi Sanso
- Bamboo groves
- Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street: Much of this street along the way to the Adashino
Nenbutsuji Temple has been preserved in the style of the Meiji Period (1868-1912). Many of
the buildings are traditional machiya ("town houses") that today serve as shops and
restaurants.
- Daikakuji (大覚寺) is a large temple in the northern part of Kyoto's Sagano district. It was
originally built in the early 800s as the detached palace of Emperor Saga, who thoroughly
enjoyed spending time in this calm area on the outskirts of Kyoto. Thirty years after the
emperor's death, the palace was converted into a temple and has since been one of the
highest ranked temples of Shingon Buddhism. 9:00 to 17:00, 800Y
- Jojakkoji Temple - Nisonin Temple - Gioji Temple
- Adashino Nenbutsuji is located at the end of the Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street. The
temple was founded in the early 9th century when the famous monk Kobo Daishi placed
stone statues for the souls of the dead here. Today, the temple grounds are covered by
hundreds of such stone statues. In the back of the temple, a short path leads through a
bamboo forest.500Y
- Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple: Another ten minute walk north of the similarly named Adashino
Nenbutsuji, the Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple is famous for its 1200 stone statues of rakan,
devoted followers of Buddhism, each with a different facial expression. Created relatively
recently in the 1980s and early 1990s, the many statues stand across the temple grounds
which cover part of a forested mountain slope.
- Mancare tipica pentru Kyoto: kaiseki (scumpa), Shojin Ryori ( is a traditional Buddhist monk
cuisine), Obanzai Ryori, yatsuhashi – un fel de clatita fiarta sau la cuptor, matcha, tsukemono
– muraturi, nishin soba (Herring is served over buckwheat soba noodles in a hot tsuyu broth)

Uji

- Byōdō-in: Originally a high ranking courtier’s rural villa, Byōdō-in was built in the Heian Period
and converted into a temple in 1052 by a member of the influential Fujiwara clan, now
managed by both the Tendai and Pure Land sects of Buddhism. Located in the green tea-
producing city of Uji just southeast of Kyoto, the temple feels slightly removed from city life,
surrounded by a pond and garden. The architect intended to convey a vision of the Buddhist
Pure Land, and succeeded in making Byōdō-in a strikingly beautiful temple in the process.
The most famous building in the complex is the Phoenix Hall, which is placed in front of a
reflective pond and topped with golden statues of phoenixes. Inside the hall is a statue of
 Amida Buddha, the main object of worship and the being said to be the one who offers
passage to the Pure Land upon death to those who call out his name. The garden
surrounding the hall as well as other buildings on the property make for a leisurely stroll, and
visitors can also view a museum with temple treasures and art for a small fee.
- Shopping Street (Shōtengai) : Some areas are famous for their local shopping streets, and Uji
makes sure to capitalize on their most famous product by selling all sorts of green tea related
products. On a leisurely stroll between the train station and the famous temples in the area
you can enjoy passing by and popping in to various shops. Along the way you can sample all
sorts of foods, most of which offer a green tea flavored option, whether it be ice cream,
sweets, or soba buckwheat noodles. Traditional tea shops also offer the actual drink for sale
to consume right then or take home for later. Other shops specializing in gifts and other
traditional Japanese items can be found as well, making it a great place to shop for souvenirs
on your way to your next sightseeing spot!
- Manpuku-ji : The head temple of the Ōbaku school of Zen Buddhism, this temple in Uji has a
distinctly Ming Chinese influence that sets it apart from many other temples in the area.
Founded in 1661, the head priests of this temple were Chinese for thirteen generations.
Following Ming architectural style, the layout is sprawling and spacious, with grand paths
lined with pines throughout the complex and gilded lanterns hanging from the covered
walkways. An image of the familiar Hotei “Laughing Buddha” in gold can be found in the first
worship hall, and the second hall contains the main altar and various interesting wooden
statues of Buddhist saints. The kaipan, or fish board, near the main hall is a popular symbol
of this temple, and still in use today. If you wait, you may be lucky enough to spot a monk
come out and use the board to announce the time. Not only a beautiful spot to relax and
look around, Manpuku-ji has a variety of cultural experiences available for those interested,
such as zazen meditation, sutra copying, and Chinese fucha ryōri cuisine.
- Uji Bridge: Spanning the length of the Uji River, the current aptly named Uji Bridge was
constructed in 1996. A bridge has spanned the river at that spot since 646, with a stone
inscription commemorating the completion of the bridge remaining as the oldest example of
a Japanese stone inscription. From the pedestrian walkway across the bridge you can get a
lovely view of the nearby mountains as well as the small island in the middle of the river that
sports a thirteen-storied stone pagoda. Teahouses and traditional buildings line the riverside,
and once night begins to fall boats take to the water for cormorant fishing, an activity visitors
can observe from boats.

- Ujigami Jinja: Despite the fact that the Ujigami Shrine is often overlooked by travelers to Uji
who flock in hordes to Byōdō-in Temple and shopping streets filled with green tea treats,
Ujigami Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site believed to possibly be the oldest extant
Shinto shrine in the country. Located just a few minutes’ walk away from Byōdō-in over the
Uji River and behind the newer Uji Shrine, Ujigami Shrine is an example of the most classic of
Shinto architecture tucked into a small, nature-filled alcove against the rolling hills of
southern Kyoto. Though the grounds aren’t large, they provide an interesting contrast to the
shrine architecture visitors may have already grown accustomed to, with the main hall
contained in a large wooden “cage” of sorts. If you’re in the area it’s worth stopping by for
the oldest remaining shrine, the lush greenery and water, and the many cute rabbit-shaped
charms!
- Cunoscut pentru ceaiul verde
*Sumiya Motenashi museum to check!

*Kifune shrine & Kurama daca mai e timp

* Pe 29 ianuarie, are loc la Iwashimizu Hachimangū ritualul de purificare Oni Yarai Shinji.

Discoverkyoto.com for more resources

NARA

- Miyakoji Rapid Service e acoperit de JR pass.

- January 28th Yamayaki festival: The festival officially begins at noon, after which a variety of
minor events take place around the base of Wakakusayama. Among them is a throwing
competition of giant rice crackers (sembei) that takes place from 12:30 to 15:00. Travelers will
recognize the sembei as giant versions of the rice crackers that are on sale throughout Nara
Park as food for the wild deer. At 18:15, a firework display is held for about 15 minutes.
Afterwards, the fire from the bonfire is used to set the grass on the mountainside alight, and
the fire gradually spreads all across the mountain. It usually takes 30 minutes to one hour for
the entire area to burn, depending on the conditions of the grass each year. When the grass
is dry, the entire mountain is burnt relatively quickly, while wet conditions can result in only
slow and partial burning of the grass.
- Around 17:00, a procession of people involved in lighting the mountain on fire departs from
the Tobino area of Kasuga Taisha towards the mountain, making a stop at the Mizuya Shrine
along the way in order to light the torches. Around 17:30, the procession arrives at the base
of Wakakusayama where several hundred spectators have already gathered, and a large
bonfire is lit part way up the mountainside, just past the barrier restricting access to the
public.
- Todaiji (東大寺, Tōdaiji, "Great Eastern Temple") is one of Japan's most famous and
historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The temple was constructed in 752 as
the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan and grew so powerful that the
capital was moved away from Nara in 784 in order to lower the temple's influence on
government affairs.Until recently, Todaiji's main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), held
the record as the world's largest wooden building, despite the fact that the present
reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple hall's size. The massive
building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). The 15 meters
tall, seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas. 600Y. 8:00 to
17:00
- Kasuga Taisha: is Nara's most celebrated shrine. It was established at the same time as the
capital and is dedicated to the deity responsible for the protection of the city. Kasuga Taisha
was also the tutelary shrine of the Fujiwara, Japan's most powerful family clan during most
of the Nara and Heian Periods. Like the Ise Shrines, Kasuga Taisha had been periodically
rebuilt every 20 years for many centuries. In the case of Kasuga Taisha, however, the custom
was discontinued at the end of the Edo Period. 500Y, 7-17
- Nara Koen: is a large park in central Nara. Established in 1880, it is the location of many of
Nara's main attractions including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National
Museum. It is also home to hundreds of freely roaming deer.
- Kofukuji (興福寺, Kōfukuji) used to be the family temple of the Fujiwara, the most powerful
aristocratic clan during much of the Nara and Heian Periods. The temple was established in
Nara at the same time as the capital in 710. At the height of Fujiwara power, the temple
consisted of over 150 buildings.
- Toshodaiji Temple was founded in the year 759 by Ganjin, a Chinese priest who was invited to
Japan by the emperor in order to train priests and improve Japanese Buddhism. Ganjin's
influence in the introduction of Buddhism to Japan was monumental, and his arrival and
teaching at Toshodaiji (which roughly translates to "temple of the one invited from Tang
China") were important stages in that process.
- Yakushiji Temple was constructed by Emperor Tenmu in the late 7th century for the recovery
of the emperor's sick wife. One of Japan's oldest temples, Yakushiji has a strictly symmetric
layout, with the main hall and lecture hall standing on a central axis, flanked by two pagodas.
The main hall was rebuilt in the 1970s after being destroyed by fire and houses a Yakushi
trinity, a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist art. The East Pagoda is the temple's only
structure to have survived the many fires that have beset the temple over the years, and
dates from 730. It appears to have six stories, but is in fact only truly three-storied, like the
West Pagoda.
- Shin-Yakushiji Temple was founded during the Nara Period (710-794) by an empress for the
sake of the ailing emperor. It is devoted to Yakushi Buddha, the patron of medicine in
Japanese Buddhism. Inside the main hall there are life size statues of 12 guardian deities
surrounding a two meter tall statue of a seated Yakushi Buddha, which are the temple's main
objects of worship.
- Heijo Palace During most of the Nara Period (710-794), Nara served as the capital of Japan
and was known as Heijo-kyo. The Heijo Palace extended about one kilometer wide and one
kilometer long and served as the site of the emperor's residence and government offices. For
its great historical and cultural importance, the palace site is included as one of the World
Heritage Sites of Nara.
- Naramachi: is the former merchant district of Nara, where several traditional residential
buildings and warehouses are preserved and open to the public. Boutiques, shops, cafes,
restaurants and a few museums now line the district's narrow lanes.
Many of Naramachi's buildings in the Edo Period and earlier were machiya, long, narrow
"townhouses" that served both as shops and as the living quarters of the local merchants.
The store fronts of machiya were often kept narrow in order to save on taxes, which used to
be calculated on a property's street access rather than its total area. Today, a handful of
machiya have been preserved and made open to the public as museums.

Below is a list of Naramachi's main attractions:

 Gangoji Temple: 9:00 to 17:00 (entrance until 16:30), 500Y. Gangoji Temple was one of Nara's
seven great temples, UNESCO site.
 Koshi-no-Ie Residence (Naramachi Lattic House): Koshi-no-Ie Residence (Naramachi Lattic
House): Koshi-no-Ie Residence is a former merchant home open to the public. It is one of the
 few places for a look at one of Nara's traditional machiya townhouses with a shop space in
the front of the building and the living quarters in the rear. 9-17, free ad.
 Nigiwai-no-Ie: The Nigiwai-no-ie is a traditional townhouse with over 100 years of history in
central Naramachi. The interior has been decorated to reflect the 24 seasons of the year
according to the traditional almanac, and visitors can experience the changing seasons as
well as appreciate traditional architecture. 9-17, free ad.
 Imanishike Shoin Residence: 10:30 to 16:00, 400Y. Imanishike Shoin Residence, located in the
eastern part of Naramachi, is a former residence of an important temple official who worked
at Kofukuji Temple. Imanishike has a pleasant garden, a large interior, and a space for
enjoying green tea and Japanese sweets.
 Harushika Sake Brewery: The Harushika Sake Brewery was established over 130 years ago by
the Imanishi family whose above-mentioned residence is located just next door. For 500 yen
visitors can sample five varieties of sake produced by Harushika and take home a souvenir
sake glass. Brewery tours are offered on weekends in February (reservations mandatory).
Hours: 10:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30), 500Y tasting fee.

Horyu-ji Temple

Horyuji Temple (法隆寺, Hōryūji) was founded in 607 by Prince Shotoku, who is credited with the
early promotion of Buddhism in Japan. Horyuji is one of the country's oldest temples and contains
the world's oldest surviving wooden structures. It was designated a world heritage site in 1993.
Horyuji's temple grounds are spacious and separated into two main precincts, the Western Precinct
(Saiin Garan) and the Eastern Precinct (Toin Garan). 8:00 to 17:00, 1500 yen

Chuguji Temple (中宮寺, Chūgūji) is a separate temple located just behind Horyuji's Eastern Precinct.
Chuguji is worth a visit for its celebrated main object of worship, a beautifully carved statue of a
sitting Buddha who puts his right leg on his left and smiles gently. Note that a separate ticket is
required for entry to Chuguji Temp. 600 Y

Hiroshima day trip

Kyoto and Hiroshima are connected by the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines. You can use your JR
Pass and the journey between Kyoto Station and Hiroshima Station takes 1 hour 40 minutes.

What to eat in Hiroshima? Hiroshima is mainly famous for its style of okonomiyaki, a typical Japanese
dish that according to some was born in Hiroshima, according to others in Osaka. Hiroshima citizens
are very proud of their way of making okonomiyaki. Basically, in Hiroshima the ingredients are
layered and pressed together during cooking, while in Osaka the batter is mixed first. In addition,
soba noodles are mixed into the ingredients in Hiroshima.

Another famous dish (more of the region than the city) are oysters, cooked grizzly or with other
ingredients in various dishes, including okonomiyaki with oysters.

Although not as famous as others, there is also a Hiroshima-style ramen, which uses thin and soft
noodles, in chicken broth with a hint of soy sauce and lots of bean sprouts as the main vegetable.
Hiroshima-style tsukemen are another noodle dish from the city. The noodles are dipped here in an
extra spicy sauce with a lot of chilli and garnished with spring onion and cabbage.

- Hiroshima Castle: also called the Carp Castle, is a good example of a castle built on a plain in
the center of a city as opposed to hilltop and mountaintop castles. Its main keep is five
stories tall, and its grounds are surrounded by a moat. Also within the castle's precincts are a
shrine, some ruins and a few reconstructed buildings of the Ninomaru (second circle of
defense). 9:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from December to February), 370Y.
- Fudoin Temple: a National treasure temple unaffected by the bomb
- Hiroshima peace park: From Hiroshima Station, take tram line 2 or 6 to the Genbaku-Domu
Mae (原爆ドーム前) stop. Peace Memorial Museum -> Commemorative Cenotaph dating
back to 1952, with the pond of peace and the flame of peace which has been burning
continuously since it was ignited in 1964 and which is proposed to remain alight until all
nuclear bombs on the planet are destroyed -> Peace Memorial Hall-> Children's Peace
Monument-> A-Bomb Dome
- Hiroshima developed as a castle town, whereby the castle was both the physical and
economical center of the city. Built in 1589 by the powerful feudal lord Mori Terumoto,
Hiroshima Castle was an important seat of power in western Japan. While it was spared the
demolishment that many other castles met during the Meiji Period, like the rest of the city,
Hiroshima Castle was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945.
- Hiroshima has a bustling downtown area, the main feature of which is Hondori Street, a
pedestrian arcade that is closed to traffic and lined with shops and restaurants. It starts near
the Peace Park and stretches east about half a kilometer.
- While in the downtown area, visitors to Hiroshima may want to take the opportunity to try
Hiroshima's most famous specialty: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Many restaurants along
both Hondori and Aioi streets offer the local specialty, but the surest place to find it is in
Okonomimura.

Miyajima /Itsukushima: To reach the ferry port from Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo
Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (25 minutes, 420 yen one way, covered by the Japan Rail Pass).
From Miyajimaguchi Station, it is a short walk to the ferry pier, from where ferries depart
frequently for Miyajima. There are two competing ferry companies operating from this port:
JR and Matsudai. Both companies' ferry rides take 10 minutes and both cost 180 yen one
way. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on JR ferries.
- Itsukushima shrine, 300 yen (500 yen for combined entry with Treasure Hall)
- Tahoto Pagoda, imagine frumoasa a golfului si jinja
- Pe drum spre Tahoto viziteaza Daigan-ji, iar de la Tahoto mai mergi putin si ajungi la templul
Daisho-in

Miyajima este faimoasa pentru oysters (Yakigaki No Hayashi sunt faimosi, Kaki Fuku Maru) Si unagi.
Momiji manju , miyajima brewery, steamed buns.

Kamakura
is a coastal town in Kanagawa Prefecture, less than an hour south of Tokyo. The town became
Japan's political center, when Minamoto Yoritomo chose it as the seat for his new military
government in the late 12th century. The Kamakura government continued to rule Japan for over a
century, first under the Minamoto shogun and then under the Hojo regents.

Our advice for a standard day excursion itinerary is not to start at Kamakura Station, but get off at
the previous Kita Kamakura Station. After visiting the temples of your interest in the area, you can
continue on foot to Kamakura station (half an hour) or by train.

- Engakuji Temple: is one of the leading Zen temples in eastern Japan and the number two of
Kamakura's five great Zen temples. It was founded by the ruling regent Hojo Tokimune in the
year 1282, one year after the second invasion attempt by the Mongols had been reverted.
One purpose of the new temple was to pay respect to the fallen Japanese and Mongolian
soldiers.
- Tokeiji Temple was founded in the year 1285 by a woman, Kokusan-ni, in memory of her late
husband, the shogun Hōjō Tokimune. It was also called Enkiri Dera ("Temple of Divorces") as
it became a refuge for all those women mistreated by their husbands. The temple allowed all
those who settled there for at least 3 years to obtain a divorce, something that was almost
impossible to obtain in the Japanese society of the time, and it maintained that power until
1873. Until 1902 the entrance remained forbidden to men. Inside there is a large cemetery.
admission 200¥, opening hours 8:00-16:30, until 16 from october to march)
- Jochiji Temple - is the number four of Kamakura's five great Zen temples. It is a branch
temple of the Engakuji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. Its head temple, the
Engakuji Temple, stands just a few hundred meters away on the opposite side of the railway
tracks. 200Y
- Kenchoji Temple: is the number one of Kamakura's five great Zen temples. The oldest Zen
temple in Kamakura, Kenchoji was founded by the ruling regent Hojo Tokiyori in 1253 during
the Kencho Era after which it was named. Its first head priest was a priest from China.
Although considerably smaller than during its heydays, Kenchoji still consists of a large
number of temple buildings and subtemples, and stretches from the entrance gate at the
bottom of the valley far into the forested hills behind. After passing through the Sanmon
main gate, visitors will see Kenchoji's temple bell (Bonsho), designated a national treasure,
on their right. If you follow the path and stairways for another 15-20 minutes into the hills
behind Kenchoji's main grounds, you will eventually arrive at the Hansobo, a shrine for the
protection of Kenchoji. There you will also fi:nd a small observation deck from which Mount
Fuji can be seen on days with good visibility.8:30-16:30, 500Y
- The area around Kamakura station is the liveliest in the city. Just outside the station's east
exit, on the left, you will find Komachi Dori, the most popular shopping street full of
restaurants and souvenir shops. It can be recognized immediately because at the entrance
there is a very large red torii.
- Parallel to Komachi dori, east side, there is another famous street called Danzakura (or
also Wakamiya-oji). It is a tree-lined avenue surrounded by cherry trees and with a raised
sidewalk in the middle of the road, leading to the entrance to the famous Tsurugaoka
Hachimangu shrine.
 - Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is Kamakura's most important shrine. It was founded by
Minamoto Yoriyoshi in 1063, and enlarged and moved to its current site in 1180 by Minamoto
Yoritomo, the founder and first shogun of the Kamakura government. 6-21, free
The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of the Minamoto family and of the
samurai in general. The deified spirits of the ancient Emperor Ojin who has been identified
with Hachiman, Hime-gami and Empress Jingu are enshrined at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Shrine.
- The Great Buddha of Kamakura (鎌倉大仏, Kamakura Daibutsu) is a bronze statue of Amida
Buddha, which stands on the grounds of Kotokuin Temple. With a height of 11.4 meters, it has
long been the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan, surpassed only by the statue in
Nara's Todaiji Temple and some recent creations. 8-17, 300Y
- Hasedera (長谷寺) is a temple of the Jodo sect, famous for its eleven-headed statue of
Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The 9.18 meter tall, gilded wooden statue is regarded as one
of the largest wooden sculptures in Japan and can be viewed in the temple's main building,
the Kannon-do Hall. According to legend, it was carved from the same tree as the similarly
tall Kannon statue worshiped at the Hasedera Temple in Nara Prefecture. 8-17, 400Y
- Hokokuji Temple is best known for the beautiful, small bamboo grove found behind the
temple's main hall, which lies thick with over 2000 dark green bamboo stalks. A few narrow
pathways lead through the bamboo to a tea house where, for a small fee, you can sit and
enjoy a cup of matcha tea while enjoying views into the bamboo grove.9-16,300Y
- Sasuke Inari Shrine, fox shrine

Fuji 5 lakes

-Hoto noodles sunt mancarea tipica zonei

Sapporo

- Large Berserk Exhibition: Sapporo Factory 3rd Floor, Building 3

- The Clock Tower (時計台, Tokeidai) is a symbol of Sapporo. The building was constructed
during the early period of Sapporo's development in 1878 as a drill hall of the Sapporo
Agricultural College. In 1881 a clock purchased from Boston was installed. Today, the Clock
Tower serves as a museum with displays about the building's history and Sapporo on the first
floor. On the second floor are displays about the clock and a spacious ceremony hall that calls
to mind the simple buildings of the colonial American Midwest. 8:45 to 17:10 (entry until
17:00), 200Y
- Odori Park is the broad median of Odori ("large street") in the center of Sapporo, separating
the city into north and south. The park stretches about a kilometer and a half over twelve city
blocks and offers pleasant green space during the warmer months. In early February, the
park serves as the main site of the Sapporo Snow Festival.
- Sapporo Station: Central railway station with observation deck. The Sapporo Ramen
Republic is a themed restaurant area on the 10th floor of the Esta shopping center, just east
of the station's south entrance.
- Nijo Market is a public market in central Sapporo that occupies about one city block. Both
locals and tourists visit the market to shop for fresh local produce and seafood such as crabs,
salmon eggs, sea urchin and various fresh and prepared fish. The market is open from around
7:00 to around 18:00 on all days of the week, with individual shops maintaining their own
opening hours and closing days. Several restaurants can be found among the shops,
including a collection of small drinking places and restaurants along a narrow corridor called
Noren Yokocho.A recommended way of enjoying a visit is by having a fresh seafood
breakfast at one of the market's restaurants. Among the most popular menu items for
starting the day is the uni ikura donburi, sea urchin and salmon eggs on rice.
- Curb Market (札幌場外市場, Sapporo Jōgai Ichiba) consists of nearly 80 stores and
restaurants lined up along several blocks just outside of Sapporo's Central Wholesale Market.
One of the city's largest public markets, the Curb Market specializes in Hokkaido seafood
such as crab, sea urchin, salmon roe, squid and scallops, and local produce such as corn,
melons and potatoes when in season. The market's shops cater to both locals and tourists
alike, and have a good selection at reasonable prices. Like other seafood markets around
Japan, an excellent way to experience the market's offerings is to have a meal of fresh local
seafood served over rice (domburi) at one of the local restaurants.
- Historic Village of Hokkaido: The Historic Village of Hokkaido (開拓の村, Kaitaku no Mura) is
an open air museum in the suburbs of Sapporo. It exhibits about 60 typical buildings from all
over Hokkaido, dating from the Meiji and Taisho Periods (1868 to 1926), the era when
Hokkaido's development was carried out on a large scale. There are four different sections: a
town, fishing village, farm village and a mountain village. 1200Y
- The Hokkaido Museum (北海道博物館, Hokkaido Hakubutsukan) documents the history and
nature of Hokkaido and is located about a ten minute walk from the open air museum. The
museum focuses on five main themes, including Ainu culture, history and wildlife. 1200Y
- Sapporo Beer Museum: is the birthplace of beer in Japan. Sapporo Beer, one of the oldest
and most popular beer brands in the country, has been brewed in Sapporo since 1877. The
Sapporo Beer Museum (サッポロビール博物館, Sapporo Beer Hakubutsukan) was opened
in 1987 in a former brewery from the Meiji Period. The museum introduces the history of beer
in Japan and the process of beer making. After the exhibitions, beer tastings are available at
a small fee. Alternatively, paid tours are held in Japanese that include a tasting session at the
end. Free (500 yen for a guided tour)
- Susukino is Japan's largest entertainment district north of Tokyo. It is packed with stores,
bars, restaurants, karaoke shops, pachinko parlors and red light establishments. Of special
interest to noodle lovers is the Ramen Yokocho, a narrow lane lined with shops serving
Sapporo's famous ramen.
- TANUKI KOJI SHOPPING STREET
Just a 10-minute walk from Sapporo Station, this pedestrian-only street is one of Hokkaido’s
oldest shopping streets, with a history dating back to 1873. It’s also one of the largest
shopping arcades, spanning around 900m and seven blocks and boasting around 200 shops.
Tourists love the restaurants selling Sapporo specialties like miso ramen and soup curry, the
stores where you can stop for an Shime-Parfait like a true Sapporoite and the stores selling
favorite local souvenirs. But what sets Tanuki Koji apart from other shopping streets of its
kind is its role as a local hub, Where there is something to suit everyone’s needs.
 -Hokkaido shrine : Miyagaoka 474, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Food: ramen, Genghis han, soup curry

- Hill of the Buddha: Designed by top Japanese architect Tadao Ando, this photogenic Buddha
statue in a hall exudes spirituality. In keeping with Ando’s mindset that “our imagination is
piqued by what we cannot see,” only the head is visible from a distance, prompting you to
spend your trip to the site imagining what the rest might look like. Your appetite is whet with
other sensory experiences along the way, including a water garden and a 40m tunnel that
amplifies the sound of your footsteps. Finally, you reach a roofless hall where the 13.5m high
Buddha looms over you with a snippet of sky above. This ethereal sight isn’t one you’ll forget
easily.
- Sapporo Pirka Kotan (Sapporo AINU Culture Promotion Center)

 Otaru (小樽) is a small harbor city, about half an hour northwest of Sapporo by train.
Its beautifully preserved canal area and interesting herring mansions make Otaru a
pleasant day trip from Sapporo or a nice stop en route to or from Niseko or the
Shakotan Peninsula.
- Otaru canal: was a central part of the city's busy port in the first half of the 20th century.
Large vessels were unloaded by smaller ships, which then transported the goods to
warehouses along the canal. The canal makes for a pleasant stroll during the day, when
artists present their works to passing tourists, and during the evenings when old fashioned
gas lamps are lit and provide a romantic atmosphere
- Sakaimachi Street is an attractive, preserved merchant street in central Otaru, a short walk
from the city's canal area. During the development of Hokkaido in the late 1800s and early
1900s, Otaru thrived as a port city, and many trading and shipping companies constructed
impressive Western style buildings in the city center to house their offices and shops.
Many of the buildings along Sakaimachi Street have since been converted into restaurants,
cafes, souvenir shops, boutiques and museums. There are also a few glass workshops for
tourists to enjoy a hands-on experience in creating the local Otaru Glass.
- Herring Mansions: During the heyday of herring fishing, large Herring Mansions (鰊御殿,
Nishin Goten) were built by wealthy fishermen to process the fish and as a residence for
themselves and their employees. A large preserved herring mansion dating back to the end
of the 19th century stands on a hill beside the water about five kilometers outside central
Otaru. It was moved to its current location in 1958 and is open to the public. Fishermen's
tools and living conditions are displayed inside.9-17, 300Y
- About a kilometer inland from the herring mansion stands the Former Aoyama Villa (旧青山
別邸, Kyū Aoyama Bettei), a luxurious villa built by the Aoyama family, one of the most
successful families in the herring fishing industry. The family spared no expense in the
materials and construction of the villa and surrounding gardens. The Aoyama family's herring
mansion was also preserved, but it was moved to nearby Sapporo where it can be viewed in
the Historic Village open air museum. 1100 yen, 9-17
 - Yoichi Distillery: Yoichi Station can be reached in about 25 minutes by local trains from Otaru
(440 yen, hourly departures) or in about one hour from Sapporo (1290 yen, requires a
transfer at Otaru). 9:00 to 16:00, free ad.

 Jozankei Onsen (定山渓温泉, Jōzankei Onsen) is located inside Shikotsu-Toya

National Park between the high cliffs of the Toyohira River. The town is only one hour
outside central Sapporo, making it a popular side trip from the city. As a result,
Jozankei is rather developed compared to smaller onsen towns in Hokkaido.
- Iwato Kannondo is a unique temple in central Jozankei, as most of the temple is located in a
cave. Built for road workers, who were killed during the construction of a tunnel, the
temple's cave is 120 meters long with 33 statues of Kannon, a Buddhist deity of compassion,
placed at intervals along the way.300Y

Noboribetsu onsen: walk to Jigokudani and then check out 1-2 trails to check out the scenery

Hakodate

Hakodate (函館) is Hokkaido's third largest city, located at the island's southern tip. Hakodate is best
known for the spectacular views to be enjoyed from Mount Hakodate and its delicious, fresh
seafood.Hakodate was among the first Japanese port cities that were opened to international trade
after the country's era of isolation. As a result, the city has experienced notable influence from
overseas, and the foreign population's former residential district and a Western-style fort are among
its main tourist attractions.Onuma Park, a quasi-national park with beautiful, island-dotted lakes, is
located only half an hour north of Hakodate and makes a nice side trip or a stop along the journey
between Hakodate and Sapporo.

- Mount Hakodate: The Hakodateyama Ropeway departs from the Motomachi District. The
ropeway's lower station can be reached in a 10 minute walk from the Jujigai tram stop (5
minutes, 210 yen from Hakodate Station) or by direct Hakodate Bus from Hakodate Station
(10 minutes, 210 yen, 1-2 buses/hour in the evenings). The ropeway costs 1500 yen for a round
trip or 1000 yen one way. It operates every 15 minutes from 10:00 to 22:00. The Night view
- Hachiman zaka slope – copaci multi, privelisti frumoase + are legatura cu marea, langa este
Mt Hakodate
- Hakodate Hachimangu & Kamedahachimangu hakodate
- Fort Goryokaku + parkis a massive, star-shaped, Western-style citadel, which was built in the
last years of the Edo Period (1603-1868) for the defense of Hakodate against the imperialist
threat posed by the Western powers. A few years later, the fort became the site of a civil war
between an army of the shogunate and the superior troops of the newly established Meiji
government.
- Hakodate morning market is held daily from 5am (6am from January to April) to noon, just a
few steps away from JR Hakodate Station. The market area spans about four city blocks.
Products on sale include various types of fresh seafood, such as crabs (kani), salmon eggs
 (ikura) and sea urchin (uni), as well as fresh produce such as melons. Many restaurants can
be found in the market area, offering fresh seafood breakfasts, such as uni-ikura domburi.
イカの踊り丼 – famous dish. De incercat Kaisen-don (mancare cu fructe de mare) +
Hakodate is famous for its shio ramen and squid
- Hakodate Kaisen Ichiba (Seafood Market): 12-12 Toyokawa-cho, Hakodate, 9-18
- Motomachi: Former residential area of foreign traders. The harbor of Hakodate was one of
the first to be opened to foreign trade in 1854 when Japan's era of isolation was coming to an
end. As a result, many traders from Russia, China and Western countries moved to Hakodate.
Motomachi, at the foot of Mount Hakodate, became a district favored among the new
foreign residents.Many foreign-looking buildings remain in the area today. Among the most
famous are the foreigner’s cemetery, Russian Orthodox Church, Russian consulate, old post -
office kyu hakodate yubinkyoku, the Old British Consulate, the Chinese Memorial Hall, the
prefectural government's former branch office building and the old Hakodate Public Hall.The
Motomachi district is situated at the foot of Mount Hakodate and is easily accessed from
Hakodate Station in a 5 minute tram ride or 20-30 minute walk.
- Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
- Old Soma residence, 10-15, miercuri si joi inchis ? 900Y
- Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden (Hot-Tubbing Monkeys), 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Hakodate Magistrate’s Office: 44 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate. 9-17, 500Y
- Yachigashira Hot Spring
- Jitsugyo-ji Temple
- Higashihongan-ji Temple Hakodate Branch
- Koryu-ji Temple, oldest temple in H. : 21-11 Funami-cho, Hakodate, 9-16
- Tea shop Yuhi, Hakodate beer hall, Gyosanko izakaya
- Onuma park, la 20 km de Hakodate

Hakkenzan Orchard, nu e pe google?

To check:

Jazz bars

Michelin star ramen restaurants

Don Quijote Shibuya (is the biggest)

Karaoke

Ethical cafes: neko republic ikebukuro & inu neko lua (194-0044 1-2-7-105 Naruse, Machida City,
Tokyo)

Arcade

Sumo – pe 12?

Furusato festival 13-22 ianuarie la tokyo dome

Bleach exposition, pana pe 16 ianuarie. Shibuya Hikarie (Tokyo)