Japan Road Trip by Rail

The 13-meter bronze Buddha has sat here since 1252. You can go inside the hollow statue for ¥200. Morning light is best for photos - the Buddha faces slightly east.

Famous for hydrangeas in June and its massive 11-headed Kannon statue. The observation deck has panoramic views of Sagami Bay. The jizo statues in the cave are hauntingly beautiful.

The main drag from Kamakura Station to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Lined with matcha dessert shops, craft stores, and small restaurants. Try the purple sweet potato soft-serve.

Kamakura's most important shrine. Walk the long approach from the beach through three torii gates. Cherry blossoms line the path in spring. The lotus ponds bloom in summer.

Sculptures set against mountain backdrops. The Picasso collection is surprisingly deep. The stained glass tower you can climb inside is the highlight. Covered enough to visit in light rain.

Take the Hakone Ropeway over sulfurous steam vents. Eat the famous black eggs (kuro-tamago) boiled in volcanic hot springs - legend says each one adds 7 years to your life. Check volcanic activity alerts before going.

The pirate ship replica cruises across the lake with views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. Best Fuji visibility is early morning. Covered by Hakone Free Pass.

Hakone has hundreds of ryokans with private and public onsen. Book a ryokan with kaiseki dinner included - it's the classic Japanese experience. Tattoo-friendly options exist but book ahead. Tenzan Onsen is great for day visitors.

10,000 vermilion torii gates winding up a mountain. The first section is packed - keep climbing past the 30-minute mark and crowds thin dramatically. The full hike takes 2 hours round trip. Go at dawn or dusk for near-empty paths.

Arrive before 8am or skip it - midday crowds make it feel like a subway platform. While in Arashiyama, visit Tenryu-ji temple garden, cross the Togetsukyo Bridge, and ride the scenic Sagano train along the river gorge.

The gold-leafed pavilion reflecting in its mirror pond is one of Japan's most photographed sights. No interior access, but the grounds and tea garden are worth the visit. Afternoon light makes the gold glow.

Gion is Kyoto's geisha district. Walk Hanami-koji street in the early evening for a chance to spot a maiko heading to an engagement. Philosopher's Path is a 2km canal-side walk lined with cherry trees - remarkable in spring, peaceful year-round.

Five blocks of food stalls selling everything from fresh yuba (tofu skin) to tamagoyaki (rolled omelet) on a stick. Go hungry. Arrive before noon for the best selection. This is lunch, not a quick snack stop.

The massive wooden stage juts out over a hillside with panoramic city views. Cherry blossoms in spring, fiery maples in fall. The approach street (Higashiyama) has pottery shops, pickles, and matcha everything.

Osaka's neon-lit food street. The Glico Running Man sign is the Instagram shot. Eat takoyaki (octopus balls) from a street vendor, then okonomiyaki at a griddle restaurant. Walk along the canal at night for the full light show.

The castle itself is a concrete reconstruction, but the surrounding park is massive and beautiful - especially during cherry blossom season. The view from the top floor observation deck is worth the climb.

Known as 'Osaka's Kitchen.' Stall after stall of fresh seafood you eat standing up - grilled king crab legs, sea urchin, fatty tuna sashimi. Not cheap, but the quality is outstanding. Go before 11am.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World are the must-dos. Buy an Express Pass - lines regularly hit 90+ minutes without one. Weekdays are dramatically less crowded.

A throwback neighborhood with a Blade Runner feel. Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) is the local dish - never double-dip in the communal sauce. The area around Tsutenkaku Tower lights up beautifully after dark.