And it's here! It's over!! Your Japanese adventure is about to begin. Due to the long, arduous flight and the time delay, you will probably not be allowed to do much action once you arrive and then get to your accommodation. Those interested can explore the area around the accommodation and soak up the first feel of the country, while fortifying themselves with some of the local delicacies - there are plenty of restaurants and bistros all around. You can make your selection before entering the restaurant thanks to the plastic food displays in the windows, including their prices.

Your journey through Tokyo and all of Japan begins with a return to the past in the Old Quarter, where you'll soak up the atmosphere of old Tokyo in local alleys with shops and pubs, with the first opportunity to buy traditional souvenirs. You'll visit the huge and very popular with the locals city park with a lake covered in beautiful lotuses, sakura trees in bloom in spring and a zoo, a shrine and several museums. Then it's time to explore the "underground city" or Tokyo's famous subway, where you'll see first-hand the efficiency and discipline of the locals for which this country is renowned. You will see the scene of the local national sport and martial art, sumo. In the evening, you can watch Japanese debauchery in the "crazy" district full of neon, anime and manga, and maybe even dress up in one of the costumes or play the popular game of pachinko. And because you'll get hungry after a day like that, sample some of the local delicacies at one of the many local establishments.

Today, you'll find vibrant neighbourhoods that will give you a full showcase of the bustling life here. You'll see the world's busiest intersection and see for yourself a scene you may know from movies or videos that so beautifully illustrates the hustle and bustle of the city. Interspersed with the colourful, luminous and ever-beating parts is a magnificent temple with a beautiful gateway and peace of mind is gained in the beautifully landscaped park.

Discover the beauty of this historic town full of ancient temples and shrines set in the romantic wooded hills of the surrounding national park. Visit these mysterious religious sites and observe the locals at their prayers. Marvel at the beautiful golden statues, murals and mythical symbols. Walk across one of the most beautiful bridges in Japan and add to your botanical knowledge at the local university garden.

The previous day you enjoyed the cultural beauties, but Nikkō is particularly unique because the temples and shrines here are set in a beautiful natural mountain landscape. So today it's time to explore this wilder side of the region. Your starting point is the beautiful mountain lake of Chuzenji. Stroll along its shores and take in the views of its blue surface and the surrounding forested hills. Enjoy a spiritual moment at the sanctuary situated on the shores of the lake at the foot of the sacred mountain, from where the fitter and braver among you can begin the climb to the summit. After a challenging hike comes the reward of breathtaking views of the surrounding nature and temples. Don't forget to visit the most famous waterfall here and enjoy the roar of the falling water masses.

Today will be a very variable day and it is up to you how you spend it. For those of you who got your fill of climbing Mount Nantai yesterday and are now looking to recover, a scenic cruise on the lake, a tour of the waterfall, or a light walk on a quiet wetland will be appreciated. On the other hand, those who were in the mood for more big feats yesterday can climb another peak or circumnavigate the lake on more challenging hikes. Whichever option you choose, there will be no shortage of natural beauty and experiences today.

Today, you'll take a peek inside the home of the world's last reigning emperor. For a moment, you'll find yourself in "Paris" looking at the local eiffel factory. Sample some of the delicacies at the world's largest fish market, and pray for a smooth journey at a beautiful and peaceful temple.

Today you can fully absorb the spiritual beauty of this country by visiting the temple town of Kamakura near the coast. The city was once the political centre of the country and home to the Japanese shogun, and today it attracts locals and tourists from around the world, particularly for its incredible concentration of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines scattered around the surrounding area, some of which blend into the surrounding hilly landscape, offering a unique opportunity to combine nature tourism and spiritual contemplation inside the shrines. Be sure to visit the local main attraction - the Great Buddha, whose bronze statue towers majestically over this beautiful region.

Today you will have a beautiful day in the mountainous and volcanic area of Hakone National Park. You will take a romantic train ride winding through the local forested hills. Hop on the toboggan and be taken to the cable car station, which will take you over volcanic craters where you will see smouldering volcanic gases, yellow sulphurous vents below you and smell the typical smell of rotten eggs all around. You can also have these (unspoiled and unhealthy) at the top station of the cable car - the famous black egg prepared in sulphurous steam, the so-called kurotamago, is not to be missed (surely you want to extend your life by 7 years). Similarly, don't miss a cruise on a pirate-like cruise ship across the beautiful lake surrounded by local volcanoes and enjoy the sight of the massive torii gate towering majestically on the lake shore. If you're lucky with visibility, you might even spot the legendary Fuji Volcano - your next stop. The view of this national mountain "rising" above the surface of the lake is one of the most iconic in the entire country.

Emperial Kyoto has been the capital of Japan and home to reigning emperors for more than a millennium. The city is famous for its temples and shrines, of which there are an incredible number, and don't even try to walk through them all :) Most of the religious buildings and other attractions are somewhat unusually located on the periphery of the cities in all directions from the centre, so expect long transfers and transfers between the metro and buses. However, it is worth it. The temples here are beautiful, as is the local genius loci. Today you will explore the very interesting eastern part, which, in addition to the beautiful Kiyomizudera temple providing spectacular views of the city, also offers a very authentic experience - the chance to catch a glimpse of a real geisha.

Today you'll take a look at the countryside, specifically in the western Arashiyama district, where you'll visit the monkeys in the local hilltop park and be able to feed them hand-purchased peanuts. But the monkeys are hungry and clingy, so keep an eye on things. And since East Asia includes, among other things, bamboo, go and see one of these forests. However, a visit to Kyoto is intrinsically linked to exploring the temples, so a visit to one of the many temples must not (and will not) be missed today.

While the previous days you went to the more distant peripheries to explore the local beauty, today it's time to explore the heart of the city, which hides more mundane buildings. And since we're in a former imperial city, a visit to the Imperial Palace is a must, as is the nearby castle. And since it's your last day in the city, it's a good idea to visit the lively local markets and have some of the goodies, or bring some produce for yourself or loved ones. There's certainly plenty to choose from. Missing something from your visit to Kyoto? Don't worry, you can't miss the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, a vast complex of temples and shrines with iconic torii gates stretching in a row into the surrounding hills. This place is the "Mecca" of photography enthusiasts, and you have certainly heard of it, or seen it in photos of friends or in promotional material.

Feed the sacred deer cookies and have them pay their respects (literally) in the holy city of Nara. Get a glimpse into the city's history, explore the beautiful temples and the old historic district. Before that, however, experience a renowned tea ceremony in the historic town promised by tea.

Today, you'll move to Japan's second largest conurbation, the vibrant economic and gastronomic heart of Japan - the ever-beating Osaka, known for its high-rises, glowing neon and lively street food. Stroll down Japan's busiest street to the music and lights, visit the local ancient castle, delight your taste buds with some local goodness at the street market and, if you're feeling brave, visit the supposedly most dangerous neighbourhood in all of Japan. Don't forget to try the local speciality you hear about at almost every turn - Japanese pizza. Food lovers in Osaka will be in for a treat.

Today, take some time to catch up on all the interesting things that will be happening during the day. The departure from Osaka Central Station itself will be an experience thanks to the interesting and possibly the most beautiful station building in the world. Along the way you will visit the beautiful and most importantly one of the few surviving Japanese castles known as the White Heron Castle. You will then delve into the sad history and recall the horrors of World War II and atomic weapons at one of the most authentic museums - the Peace Memorial Museum located in the Hiroshima Park of the same name, which made history by dropping the first atomic bomb. You can improve your mood in the beautiful gardens or by shopping or wine tasting on the main shopping street of the city centre.

Today you'll take a pleasant day trip to the sacred island of Miyajima, sometimes called Icukushima after the local shrine whose torii gate "grows" from the seabed. At high tide it is partially flooded with water and cannot be reached with dry feet, but at low tide you can easily reach it. The view of the flooded torii gate off the shores of the island is one of the highest rated images from around the country. However, the island is not only known for this great gate and the surrounding temples and shrines, but also offers opportunities for lovers of "mountain" tours and views of the surrounding hills and sea. There are even beaches, although it is not a typical bathing destination. As in Nara, you will come across sacred deer here, but they are not allowed to feed them. Don't forget to try the local sweet - a momiji manju cookie filled with bean jam or other filling. And since you're on an island, there's also a variety of seafood - such as fresh oysters. Both are widely sold here, and you're sure to come across these delicacies.

Welcome to hell!! In Beppu, that is. You have arrived on the island of Kyushu, famous for its volcanic activity, which, in addition to active volcanoes, is manifested by hot springs and gas fumes. And it's because of the hot springs that it's worth coming here. The renowned spa resort of Beppu really does resemble hell. From the higher ground you can observe many smoking areas where the smoke rises to the sky. In fact, the town has the highest concentration of hot springs in the country, which the locals take advantage of to heat their homes. Throw off the shame and head to the traditional Japanese baths, or onsen. But beware! It's a slightly different spa with different rules than the ones we know in the west.

If you were sorry when you climbed and looked at Fuji that it is a volcano whose eruptions are very rare and have not taken place for hundreds of years and you want to experience a more lively volcano, then you must not miss Aso volcano. Take a walk to the crater of one of the world's most active and largest volcanoes. It is a very active volcano located in the centre of Kyushu and eruptions, or at least gushes of gas and dust, are quite common. So frequent, in fact, that the volcano is sometimes partially or completely closed to the public for safety reasons. However, if everything goes well, it will be one of the greatest experiences you will take away from Japan.

Walk through the timeless design district of Canal City and soak up the spiritual atmosphere in one of the temples or shrines just down the road. Buy a souvenir or just soak up the atmosphere and fill your stomach with local produce in the shopping arcade. Explore the ruins of the old castle and gaze out to sea from the coastal area. Visit the romantic islet surrounded by the canal and stop by the famous yatai food stalls. If you're here in the first half of July, you'll see joggers in colourful and bold outfits and decorated allegorical chariots around town. This is because the most popular Hakata Gion yamakasa festival takes place at this time.

Your journey through the Land of the Rising Sun is coming to an end, but you still have 1 full day left. A significant part of it will be the journey back to Tokyo, during which you will cross about half of the country :) however, the shikansen journey is an experience in itself and today you will really enjoy this legendary high-speed train. So there is about half a day left and you can use it in several ways. So today you have several options to choose from and it's entirely up to you how you want to spend your day. But the goal is the same for all options: to go to sleep in Tokyo tonight :)

OPTION #1: extend your stay in Fukuoka and leave for Tokyo during the afternoon

You can revisit some places like Kawabata shopping arcade (and buy souvenirs to take home), Canal city shopping and entertainment complex, go to some of the temples, etc.

You can also visit the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park and the Aquarium of Marine World Uminonakamichi 

web- https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4810.html#section_main_content

Leave your luggage at your accommodation and collect it before leaving for the station.

OPTION #2: check in and leave Fukuoka in the morning, spend the rest of the day in Tokyo

There are plenty of things to do in Tokyo. You can return to some of the places you liked or didn't explore as much as you would have liked due to lack of time, or go to places you missed altogether while in Tokyo (e.g. the lively Ginza district or the area around Shinbashi Station with its many restaurants).

How about Disney land? See the website https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3016_land.html

Option #3: visit the town of Okayama, which is on the train route

You can divide the long shikansen journey into two parts with this option and get off at this historic town known for its beautiful gardens along the way.

web - https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5700.html 

Your stay in this amazing country is over. If you still have some time before your flight, use it to take one last stroll through Tokyo's lively streets, sit for a while in the beautiful landscaped parks, or go and ask the gods for a smooth journey to one of the temples or shrines. Pick up any last souvenirs or practical items and replenish your energy with a good portion of local delicacies. By this time, you must have picked your favourite :) And it's good to drink properly, which is perhaps best served with a glass of sake. Kanpai!! Sajónara!!!