Venture to the eastern part of the globe and spend a 5-day historic journey in Japan. The rich history of Japan dates back to its imperial past from the 3rd to the 8th century. It was Japan’s golden era, a time when the system of government was established, when the now classical Japanese culture flourished, and when the Buddhist and Shinto religions prospered. Fortunately, the remnants of the country’s golden past can still be witnessed by the current generation. This 5-day itinerary focuses primarily on the ancient past of Japan and how these classic sites became the epitome of the well-preserved Japanese culture.
Before flying to Far East Asia, you need to know that several nations are required to secure a Japanese tourist visa to be permitted to entry the country. As of present, there are about 67 nations that have been granted short-stay visa exemptions by the Japanese government, so if you are a passport holder of one of these nations then you need not apply for one. Passport holders that are exempted from securing a visa may stay in Japan from 15 to 90 days, depending on the country of residence. However, passport holders that are not exempted must apply for a Japanese visa. Here are the requirements to secure a visa:
- Completed visa application form
- Filled out letter of guarantee
- Filled out letter of reason for invitation
- Full itinerary in Japan
- List of visa applicants
- Overview of company (if invited for a business trip)
- Current passport
- Couple of passport picture
A 5-Day Historic Journey in Japan:
Get ready to see the historical wealth of the Land of the Rising Sun. Let this journey take you to some of the off beaten paths of Japan and educate you of the great historical and cultural background of one of the most powerful countries in the world.
Day 1: Osaka Prefecture
Osaka City is the capital of the Osaka Prefecture is the second largest city in Japan. What was once the merchant’s capital of the country is now a bustling port city that brings imported as well as sends exported goods to and from Japan. While the city has transformed into a highly-technological, concrete jungle, Osaka City is still able to maintain some of the ancient structures that lures more and more tourists each year. Aside from these historic structures, the wide array of tasty yet affordable local street food makes Osaka City an exciting Japanese destination.
As soon as you arrive in Osaka, find your way to Osaka Castle. Built in the 16th century, the main Osaka Castle sits atop a stone foundation that overlooks the entire 15-acre castle grounds. Aside from the main castle, there are a total of 13 structures that complete the entire political ensemble. All these structures underwent major restorations and the entire castle grounds is one of the most popular historic destinations in the country.
Day 2: Kyoto Prefecture
Take the ever-efficient local train system and journey to Kyoto. Being the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto remains to be one of the richest historical destinations in Japan. There are lot of structures in Kyoto that are postcard and Instagram worthy. Once you get to this old capital city, you will immediately feel nostalgic walking along brick-laden paths.
One of the must-see historic structures in Kyoto is Fushimi Inari-Taira. This ancient Shinto Shrine is made famous by the hundreds of “Torii” Gates, large orange-colored wooden frames that lead worshippers to the shrine. Written on each of the gate’s column are names of individuals or companies that funded the restoration of this beautiful shrine. What is unique with the columns of the “Torii” Gates in Fushimi Inari-Taira is that it leads to the sacred mountain called Inari. The name of the mountain is dedicated to the Shinto god Inari, who is the god of rice. The beauty and grandeur of Fushimi Inari-Taira deserves to be part of your 5-day historic journey in Japan.
Day 3: Aichi Prefecture
Another hour-long train ride from Kyoto will lead you to another historic prefecture, Aichi. The city to explore in this grand prefecture is the bustling city of Nagoya. Similar to Osaka, Nagoya is one of the largest ports in Japan making the city a highly-industrial and highly-commercialized location. Despite the improvements in Nagoya, there still remains several historic landmarks that are worth a visit. One of these is the Atsuta Jingu.
Atsuta Jingu is one of the most significant Shinto shrines in Japan. During the ancient times, the shrine is believed to have protected and housed the sacred sword called “Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi” which translates to grass-mowing sword. It is also believed that the same sword was lost during the battle of Dan-No-Ura in the 12th century. For this reason, only a replica of the sacred sword can be found in the shrine today. Aside from this sacred sword, other imperial sacred artefacts that can be seen are sacred mirror and sacred jewels. The best times to visit the shrine are during autumn and late winter.
Day 4: Nara Prefecture
An almost two-hour train ride from Nagoya will take you to another historic prefecture, Nara. Immediately head to the city of Nara once you get to the prefecture. Among all the prefectures that are part of this itinerary, Nara is probably the second most historic cities next to Kyoto. In fact, Kyoto and Nara once had an enduring rivalry due to the political seat. Nara was actually the first capital of Japan before the capital was moved to Kyoto. To date, there are 8 must-see temples and shrines in this city.
One of the temples that should top your list in your 5-day historic journey in Japan is the Todaiji Temple. This is the largest historic landmark in Nara and attracts the most number of tourists each year. Built in the 1st century, the Todaiji Compound has the largest wooden building in the world called Daibutsuden. Inside this very large building is the gigantic image of Buddha.
Day 5: Wakayama Prefecture
Before ending your 5-day historic journey in Japan, you need to visit the off beaten path of Wakayama. Just an hour away from Nara via train, Wakayama. Wakayama city, the capital of the prefecture, is known for its fishing villages hence the freshest and most abundant marine finds. Here, you can probably taste the best tuna sushi and sashimi. Aside from the bountiful marine catch, Wakayama is also known for its ancient temples that are even more beautiful during the autumn.
One of the must-see landmarks in Wakayama is the Konpon Daito. Located at the base of Mount Koya, Konpon Daito is a very unique Buddhist temple because of its bright-red colored pagoda found at the center of the compound. Inside the red pagoda is the image of Dainichi Nyorai Buddha.
After your short visit to Wakayama, head back to Osaka Airport to make it to your return flight home.
A 5-Day Historic Journey in Japan – Ja-Plan Now!
Secure your Japanese tourist visa while planning your historic trip to Japan. Should you have any questions or need any assistance is getting a visa or getting an itinerary for the visa application, you may contact us through our website or Facebook page.
See all the historic landmarks as you take your much needed 5-Day Historic Journey in Japan!